Kirk Herbstreit didn’t hold back in his criticism of Arch Manning after a boneheaded throw led to an interception in the fourth quarter of No. 19 Texas’ prime-time matchup against No. 7 Ole Miss.
With the game tied 24-24 early in the fourth, Manning took a play-action snap, came under pressure in the pocket, and launched a deep ball into triple coverage.
Rebels safety Jalyn Crawford picked off the pass, catching it as if he were fielding a punt. The intended target was sophomore tight end, Emaree Winston.
Herbstreit was baffled by Manning’s decision. The former quarterback, now a studio analyst, said he couldn’t imagine making a similar throw in that situation.
“This one just didn’t make a lot of sense. Just a poor decision there by Arch Manning, putting it up and almost just hoping,” Herbstreit said.
The pass reminded Herbstreit of a similar mistake Manning made late in the Red River Shootout against Oklahoma. In the fourth quarter, Manning threw a costly interception that helped the Sooners set up a game-winning field goal, handing the top-ranked Longhorns a defeat.
The interception was Texas’ third turnover and Manning’s second of the night. He had also lost a fumble earlier in the game.
Manning entered the season as a Heisman favorite and a potential first overall pick in next year’s NFL draft, but his performance so far has fallen short of expectations.
The senior has thrown for 1,507 yards, 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions this season. He has thrown five picks in the Longhorns’ last four games.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian challenged Manning to improve as Texas prepared for another ranked matchup.
“At some point, he’s gotta fight back,” Sarkisian said.
Manning showed that fight as Texas held on for a 34-27 win over Ole Miss. He finished the night with 212 passing yards, one touchdown through the air, and two rushing touchdowns, helping end the Longhorns’ two-game losing streak.
